Allegheny Workshops are immersive, weeklong, in-person writing workshops hosted twice a year by New York Times bestselling editor at Penguin Random House, Alexander Rigby, at the historic Highland Guesthouse in Meadville, Pennsylvania.
Are you looking for an immersive, in-person writing workshop experience, without the high price tag of a traditional MFA or other expensive program? Look no further!
Seven-time New York Times bestselling editor, Alexander Rigby, who is an acquiring Executive Editor at DK, an imprint of Penguin Random House, is continuing the Allegheny Workshops for its second residency after an incredibly successful first residency in January 2026. This summer weeklong workshop will be held from August 1-8 in-person at the historic Highland Guesthouse (built in 1855) in Meadville, Pennsylvania. (Transportation from Pittsburgh International Airport can be provided if needed.)
Each resident will attend two different 3-day workshops, one led by Alexander, and one led by a visiting writer. With just six residents in total, you'll get to know your cohort intimately and build a writing community that lasts well beyond the workshops. There will also be six different writing seminars, evening readings, visiting guests, opportunities for residents to read their work aloud in front of the entire residency, and group activities to explore the highlights of Western Pennsylvania.
This program is meant to give you everything you need to hone your writing craft, get helpful feedback on whatever writing project you are currently working on, and connect you to fellow writing peers with whom you can build lasting relationships.
Tuition ranges between $1,700 for the smaller bedrooms and a max of $2,300 for the larger bedrooms and covers seven nights at the Highland Guesthouse with a daily continental breakfast, while also including the total cost of the workshops and all related local excursions and program fees.
With only six resident spots, we are anticipating a competitive application process, but all interested fiction and nonfiction writers are encouraged to apply for free! Underrepresented and minority-group writers (including LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC writers) are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please send any questions you may have to Alexander at allegheneyworkshops@gmail.com
Reviews of the Allegheny Workshops from writers who've attended.